SA remembers Whyalla plane crash anniversary

It is a sombre day for many South Australians, with the 10th anniversary of the Whyalla Airlines crash in which eight people died.

In one of Australia's worst air disasters, eight were killed when a Piper Chieftain crashed into waters near Whyalla.

There were no survivors, with an extensive six-day search eventually finding the plane about 10 kilometres offshore.

Instead of a formal ceremony today, the Whyalla council has taken out a public commemoration notice.

The Whyalla mayor at the time of the crash, John Smith, says it is a time etched in many people's memories.

"It's not in the past, it's one of the most momentous things that has ever happened to me in my professional life and also in my private life, because I knew most of the people on that plane - all the Whyalla people for sure - but it has always left a vivid memory in my mind and the events of the time have had a life lasting effect on me," he said.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia president at the time of the crash, Bill Hamilton, says the disaster helped to trigger an improvement in Australian regional airline safety.

"I don't believe you can say that the Whyalla accident was pivotal, but the available regional air services now - particularly in South Australia - are of a remarkably higher standard than they were 10 years ago," he said.

The airline's former managing director, Chris Brougham, says it will be a day for quiet contemplation.

He says he and his brother Kim are back in the airline industry with a charter operation.

"Flying is in our blood, particularly in Kim's and he always wanted to get back and fly, we maintained we were very good operators and hadn't done anything wrong, so we went after a charter licence and it's probably only the last 18 months [that we have had] ... an unrestricted licence so we can employ pilots again," he said.